I nod. Saxon does have a point. And speaking my theory aloud may help me sort out some details.
“Manticores did not have many powers,” I tell Saxon, “but they did have their uses.”
“Like what?”
“Their blood.”
His eyes widen.
“It is said that drinking the blood of a manticore—a living manticore—amplifies the powers of other superi—including basic mages.”
“What’s a basic mage?”
I shift my stance. “They now call themselves rootbound mages.” I resist my urge to growl, remembering the role these mages played in what happened to Rosomon.
“Basic mages can’t shift forms.” I shake my head. “That’s not entirely accurate. They can use illusions totemporarilyalter their appearances, but it’s not the same as what we shifters can do.” My chest broadens. “And while those illusions may trick humans, anyone with access to Darkness can easily see through a basic mage’s illusion.”
Studying Saxon, I realize that he and I are far more similar than I imagined. His magic is still wildly underdeveloped, but as ashifter, he’s one of my subjects. And since he crossed the veil, Darkness shimmers more strongly inside him.
“You said you have a plan to get us before Othrix?”
He nods. “I’m working on one. And based on what you’ve just told me, my plan’s becoming clearer.”
“Do you care tosharethis plan?” I glare at him.
He shakes his head. “I don’t want Rosomon to know the details,” he says. “She might try to stop me.”
“Is my name Rosomon?” I glare at him.
Grinning, he bumps my shoulder with his. “No, but I’m well aware that you don’t keep secrets from her.”
CHAPTER 59
Rosomon
As we travel from Achotia to Catha, my heart is a confusion of emotions. Sadness about my father. Joy that Tynan didn’t betray me. Relief that my brothers are alive and safe, and excitement about our voyage to Catha and its purpose.
I’ve never seen Catha. I’ve certainly never seen the Temple of Othrix. And although I’m sure we’ll face danger, Cathians don’t have dragons. We do.
Zogar chuckles, and I stroke his scales in response.
We may only be six in number, but we have the advantages of fire and flight—not to mention surprise. With the dragons, we have the power of an army.
Do you suggest we burn down the city, my love?
“Why not?” I say, then quickly add, “I’m joking of course.”
I know, my love. But if you do want Catha to burn, your wish is my command.
My heart warms. I would never want everyone in Catha to suffer, not even those in charge, but I do love how Zogar claims he’d do it for me.
Surath and Saxon swoop under us in a flash of silvery teal. Saxon’s the only one of us who’s been to Catha, and he’s confident that no force will be required to expose Othrix and the hypocrisy of the klericks. I just wish he would share his plan.
But I trust Saxon’s judgement, and both he and the dragons believe exposing the truth about Othrix will topple the religion’s hold on the Light.
Tynan thinks his father might be in Catha for the Feast of Othrix. So, it’s possible the King could be brought to justice too.
Collapsing a religion and bringing down a king sounds like a tall order to me, very tall, but if we can evenbeginthe process, I have great hope for the future.
